Advice, Fishing boat

Hello. Thinking on buying a new or couple yr old boat. Manly for fishing. 16- 18’
Would have maybe 4 people at a time
Would want rod storage etc. There’s so many out there. Legend. Smokercraft etc
Any advice. Please Thanks. Ps. Around 60 hp

Fishing 4 ppl go with the 18 ft.

2 adults and 2 kids sometimes. Yes 18 ft. Have a 15 legend now, just a little small when all 4 in it with rods etc etc

How much do you want to spend? What type of fishing do you do, and would you be using your boat for other things? The answers to these questions would be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.


From the point of view of an angler, whose had a few boats now...

I'd go for an 18ft tiller to fish 4 the most efficiently. If you are after comfort than 18ft single console. While the full windshield models may look most appealing the windshield takes up a lot of space which makes fishing for 4 difficult. 16 footers are great, capable boats but if you want to fish 4 on board they simply aren't big enough.

As far as usage. Weekends ,Mostly fishing. Spend. 20-25 k maybe
No don’t want full windshield , does get in the way
I like the side console I have now
Most of the time , it’s 2 or 3 adults
Sometimes 2 adults and 2 children
Get crowded with rods, lunch ( got to have that) etc etc
There’s Legend in Barrie and a place in Coldwater that are close. I can look around there

IMO 60 HP will be under power for a lot of 18ft boats..
We have a 16½ft lowe and four people fish out of it just fine...
Front , right side, back and left side. Lowe's are a wide body so that does help...

300, there is a terrible disease that boat owners can come down with.

You have all the classic symptoms.

The disease is called Footitis.

Every couple of years you will want to go about 2 foot more in length.

It's never ending.

I caught it but I'm cured now.

Where’s a Lowe dealer around here. Thanks

Now that was good Unfortunately this is true

https://www.dtpowersports.com/?gclid=EAIaIQ...AiAAEgJshPD_BwE

I can endorse that 100%. I stopped at 22 feet. Don't forget those kids will grow . Whatever boat you decide on do make sure you don't under power it. There are a lot of attractive packages out there that look like great deals until you discover just how sadly they perform. In order to avoid buyer's remorse later I suggest you go for the maximum rated HP for the boat.

Definitely look into 18 ft boats, preferably with a 115, that way you have the power to get a big boat moving in any condition.

Personally I would rather a used Lund, Princecraft or Crestliner, but if the right deal came along a smoker or legend would also work.

You will find the "cheaper" boats are usually under powered to keep the advertised price down. Keep in mind quality electronics add up fast as well, and the bare minimum is a good strong trolling motor, as the larger boats really did bow around more in the wind.

Last but not least, the best financing deals happen Adobe boat show season (January), his usually trade in at that time, so if you are looking used the dealers generally have a better inventory to choose from and a better idea of what's coming down the pipe. If you are serious start talking to a dealer now and they will usually find a trade in that meets your desire.

Whatever you choose, good luck and happy hunting. All boats are awesome!

Thanks for all your replies.

I just did the upgrade from a 16 this year. I have 3 kids and went to a big 18 with a full windshield. It's the only way to go but you'll want 115hp and up to move things along reasonably. I don't regret it for a second. Full windshield, 100 inch beam, if it gets crappy out I put the canopy and side curtains up and everyone is dry and comfortable. I've got 3 seats and 2 jump seats so everyone has a place to be. Go big you won't regret it, and get the full windshield. It won't matter what 18 you get you won't comfortably fish 4 guys casting. Ive fished 4 while drifting and trolling on several occasions with no problems!

What kind did you get ? Thanks